The Best Fish Soup Recipe

This fish soup recipe became our household lifesaver during those chilly evenings when everyone needed something warm and nourishing. After years of experimenting with different fish varieties and cooking techniques, I've discovered that the best fish soup doesn't require fancy ingredients or complicated steps. What started as a way to use up leftover fish has evolved into Emma's most requested dinner - especially when he's feeling under the weather.

Bowl of creamy Fish Soup Recipe with large pieces of white fish, fresh cilantro, and a rich golden broth.

Why You'll Love This Fish Soup Recipe

This simple fish soup recipe transforms basic ingredients into something that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. After years of testing different approaches, I've found that the gentle cooking method keeps fish perfectly tender while building rich flavors without any fancy techniques. Emma calls it his "feel-better soup" because it's light enough when he's not feeling well, but satisfying enough to fill him up.

The real beauty lies in its flexibility - you can use whatever white fish looks best at the market, throw in seasonal vegetables, and have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Unlike fussy seafood dishes that require perfect timing, this soup forgives small mistakes and still delivers consistently delicious results. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers, this recipe adapts to what your family needs most.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Fish Soup Recipe
Ingredients for Fish Soup Recipe
How To Make Fish Soup Recipe Step By Step
Smart Swaps for Fish Soup Recipe
Fish Soup Recipe Variations
Equipment For Fish Soup Recipe
Storing Your Fish Soup Recipe
What to Serve With Fish Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How My Sister's Kitchen Became Our Family's Heart
FAQ
Warm Bowls, Happy Hearts!
Related
Pairing
Fish Soup Recipe

Ingredients for Fish Soup Recipe

The Fish Foundation:

White fish fillets
Fresh or frozen works well
Cut into bite-sized pieces

The Flavor Base:

Bay leaves
Yellow onion
Carrots
Celery stalks
Garlic cloves
Fresh dill

Fresh ingredients for fish soup – whole fish, potatoes, onions, butter, olive oil, egg, salt, pepper, dill, and fresh herbs.

The Broth Team:

Fish stock or vegetable broth
White wine
Heavy cream or milk
Butter
Salt and white pepper

Optional Add-ins:

Fresh parsley
Potatoes
Leeks
Fennel bulb

See recipe card for quantities.

Rich ingredients – bacon slices, potatoes, onions, garlic, butter, fresh herbs, prepared stock, and cream.

How To Make Fish Soup Recipe Step By Step

Prep Work:

Chop fresh dill and parsley
Dice onion, carrots, and celery
Mince garlic cloves
Cut fish into 2-inch pieces

Chopping board with diced white fish, chopped onions, celery, carrots, fresh dill, and parsley.

Build the Base:

Sauté vegetables in butter until soft
Add garlic for last minute
Pour in broth and wine
Add bay leaves and bring to simmer

Pot of clear broth with fish pieces and vegetables (carrots, celery, onions) simmering with herbs.

Cook the Fish:

Add fish pieces gently
Simmer 8-10 minutes until flaky
Don't stir too much or fish breaks apart
Season with salt and white pepper

Saucepan of creamy soup with crispy bacon pieces and sprinkled herbs, stirred with a wooden spoon.

Finish and Serve:

Taste and adjust seasoning
Stir in cream or milk
Add fresh herbs
Remove bay leaves

Pot of creamy fish chowder with potatoes and fish chunks, topped with crispy bacon and fresh herbs.

Smart Swaps for Fish Soup Recipe

Fish Options:

Cod → Haddock or tilapia
Fresh → Frozen fish (thaw first)
White fish → Salmon (for richer flavor)
Firm fish → Delicate fish (add later in cooking)

Dairy Alternatives:

Heavy cream → Half-and-half
Regular milk → Coconut milk
Dairy → Cashew cream
Standard → Greek yogurt (stir in off heat)

Broth Choices:

Fish stock → Vegetable broth
Store-bought → Homemade stock
Regular → Low-sodium versions
Wine → Extra broth with lemon juice

Vegetable Swaps:

Regular onion → Leeks
Fresh herbs → Dried (use half amount)
Carrots → Sweet potatoes
Celery → Fennel bulb

Fish Soup Recipe Variations

Mediterranean Style:

Add diced tomatoes
Fresh basil and oregano
Splash of olive oil
Lemon zest finish

Nordic Inspired:

Include cubed potatoes
Fresh dill and chives
Touch of cream
Crispy rye bread on side

Asian Fusion:

Ginger and lemongrass
Coconut milk base
Bok choy or spinach
Lime juice and cilantro

Creamy Chowder Style:

Crackers for serving
Bacon pieces
Corn kernels
Thicker with flour roux

Equipment For Fish Soup Recipe

Ladle for serving
Large pot or Dutch oven
Sharp knife for chopping
Cutting board
Wooden spoon

Storing Your Fish Soup Recipe

Immediate Storage (2-3 days):

Cool completely before refrigerating
Store in airtight containers
Keep fish and broth together
Reheat gently on low heat

Reheating Tips:

Warm slowly to prevent curdling
Stir gently to avoid breaking fish
Add splash of broth if needed
Taste and adjust seasoning

Freezing Notes:

Use within 2 months
Thaw overnight in refrigerator
Best to freeze without cream
Add dairy when reheating

What to Serve With Fish Soup Recipe

From years of serving this comforting soup, I've found that simple, fresh accompaniments work best. Crusty sourdough bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every drop of the flavorful broth, while a light green salad or steamed asparagus adds freshness without overwhelming the delicate fish flavors. For heartier appetites, wild rice pilaf or herb-roasted potatoes turn this into a more substantial meal.

Wine pairings should be crisp and light - a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the soup beautifully without competing with its clean flavors. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a simple herbal tea work wonderfully. The key is keeping everything simple and letting the fish soup recipe be the star of the meal.

Top Tip

Temperature control makes all the difference when working with delicate fish. Keep your soup at a gentle simmer - never a rolling boil - once you add the fish pieces. High heat will make the fish tough and rubbery, while too low heat won't cook it properly. Watch for tiny bubbles breaking the surface, not big aggressive bubbling. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it's perfectly cooked, usually 8-10 minutes depending on thickness.

Timing your ingredients correctly transforms ordinary fish soup into something special. Add harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes first since they take longer to cook. Save delicate herbs and cream for the final few minutes to preserve their flavor and prevent curdling. Most importantly, taste and season throughout the cooking process - fish soup needs proper seasoning to bring out the natural sweetness of the seafood.

How My Sister's Kitchen Became Our Family's Heart

My sister had this tiny galley kitchen in her first apartment, barely big enough for two people to stand side by side. But somehow, every Sunday, our entire family would squeeze in there while she made her version of fish soup. She'd learned the recipe from our Norwegian neighbor, who insisted that good soup required "more love than ingredients." Her secret wasn't in fancy techniques or expensive fish - it was in her patience. She'd let each of us add something to the pot: Emma would drop in the bay leaves, I'd stir in the cream, and even our pickiest eater uncle would contribute by tasting and nodding his approval.

That cramped kitchen taught me that the best meals aren't about perfect conditions or restaurant-quality equipment. Years later, when I make this fish soup recipe, I remember how she would say, "Soup knows when it's made with hurried hands." She was right - the gentle simmering, the careful seasoning, the way we'd all gather around waiting for that first perfect spoonful. Some recipes feed the body, but the best ones nourish something deeper in our souls

FAQ

What kind of fish is good for soup?

White fish like cod, haddock, halibut, or tilapia work best for soup because they have mild flavor and firm texture that won't fall apart during cooking. Avoid oily fish like salmon unless you want a richer, more intense flavor.

What is the best Fish Soup Recipe in the world?

While taste is subjective, Norwegian Fish Soup Recipe and French bouillabaisse are considered classics. Our simple version focuses on clean flavors and fresh ingredients rather than complex techniques, making it accessible for home cooks while still delivering restaurant-quality results.

What vegetables to put in Fish Soup Recipe?

Classic vegetables include onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. These create a flavorful base without overpowering the delicate fish. Leeks, fennel, and fresh herbs like dill also work beautifully in this fish soup recipe.

Is Fish Soup Recipe healthy?

Fish Soup Recipe is very healthy, providing lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vegetables in a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal. The cooking method preserves nutrients while creating a satisfying dish that supports heart health and overall wellness.

Warm Bowls, Happy Hearts!

Now you have all the secrets to creating perfect Fish Soup Recipe - from choosing the right fish to understanding the gentle cooking techniques that keep everything tender and flavorful. This simple fish soup recipe proves that comfort food doesn't need to be complicated, just made with care and attention to timing.

Ready to explore more comforting family meals? Try our The Best Chicken Lollipops Recipe for crispy, golden perfection that kids and adults love equally. For pasta night, our Best Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. And when you're craving something rich and warming, our Easy Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe brings bold, aromatic flavors that transform any simple meal into something special!